Pamela A Colón Grigas

2 papers in the library · 110 citations · publishing 2020-2023

Papers

People of color in North America report improvements in racial trauma and mental health symptoms following psychedelic experiences

Drugs Education Prevention and Policy December 10, 2020 Monnica T. Williams, Alan K. Davis, Yitong Xin et al. 100 citations

Psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA may reduce symptoms of racial trauma among Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) after a racist experience. In a cross-sectional survey of 313 diverse BIPOC in the US and Canada, participants retrospectively reported mental health symptoms 30 days before and 30 days after using a psychedelic. Analysis showed significant decreases in traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and stress following the experience. A strong positive relationship emerged between acute psychedelic effects (mystical-type, insight, and challenging experiences) and reductions in psychopathology, even after controlling for prior discrimination and time since the experience. The findings suggest psychedelics could lessen the negative impact of racial trauma, though further research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for race-based trauma is needed.

DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2020.1854688 Psilocybin Anxiety Mental health Clinical psychology +6

Investigating the associations of acute psychedelic experiences and changes in racial trauma symptoms, psychological flexibility, and substance use among People with Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Identities in the United States and Canada.

Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment June 1, 2023 Angela M Haeny, Joel A Lopez, Pamela A Colón Grigas et al. 10 citations

Among 211 racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) adults in the US and Canada, retrospective reports indicated that after their most memorable psychedelic experience, alcohol use and drug use were perceived to have decreased. The reduction in alcohol use was greater for Indigenous participants, those who took a high dose, those with a stronger ethnic identity, and those who reported fewer depressive symptoms. Perceived increases in psychological flexibility and reductions in racial trauma symptoms appeared to mediate the link between acute psychedelic effects and reduced substance use. The authors suggest psychedelic experiences may help REM people reduce alcohol and drug use by increasing psychological flexibility and easing racial trauma, but call for longitudinal replication.

DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209035 Full text Alcohol Drug People of color Psychedelic +1